A Detailed Nutritional Profile of Little Greek Chicken Skewers
When you're trying to make mindful food choices, knowing the nutritional details of your favorite restaurant meals is key. Little Greek's char-grilled chicken skewers, also known as souvlaki, are a popular menu item for those seeking a lean protein source. However, the final calorie count of your meal depends on what you pair them with. Understanding the breakdown of a single skewer versus a full platter can help you build a meal that fits your dietary goals.
The Calorie Count of a Single Chicken Skewer
A standalone chicken skewer from Little Greek is a lean and clean-eating-friendly option. Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one skewer:
- Calories: 156 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Total Fat: 6.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Sodium: 294mg
This makes the single skewer an excellent choice for a light snack or as the foundation for a larger meal. The high protein content promotes satiety, while the low carbohydrate count can be beneficial for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Since the skewers are char-grilled, the preparation method avoids excess fat that might come from frying.
How Sides and Sauces Impact Total Calories
While a single skewer is a healthy option, the total calories can quickly increase with the addition of traditional Greek sides. The official Little Greek menu lists various platter options that demonstrate this point vividly.
For example, a Chicken Skewers (Souvlaki) Dinner, which includes two skewers, rice, and a Greek salad, can contain over 1,000 calories. A platter with three skewers pushes the calorie count even higher. The extra calories primarily come from the starches and sauces.
Here are some common accompaniments and their approximate calorie contributions, based on information available from Little Greek menus:
- Rice: 280 calories
- Pita Bread: 210 calories
- Side Greek Salad: 305 calories (plus dressing)
- Side of Greek Dressing (2 oz): 241 calories
- Side of Tzatziki Sauce (2 oz): 120 calories
Comparison of Little Greek Menu Items
To put the chicken skewer into perspective, let's compare its calories to other popular menu items. This table helps illustrate how different meal choices affect your total intake. Calorie counts can vary slightly by location and preparation.
| Item | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Chicken Skewer | 156 | Lean protein only |
| Chicken Skewers Dinner (2 skewers, rice, Greek salad) | 1017 | Substantial meal portion |
| Chicken Pita | 605 | Includes pita, veggies, and tzatziki |
| Gyro Platter (meat, rice, Greek salad) | 1377 | Higher calorie due to fattier meat |
| Greek Salad (with dressing) | 610 | Includes dressing and feta |
Tips for a Lighter Meal with Little Greek Chicken Skewers
If you want to enjoy the flavor of the skewers while keeping your meal on the lighter side, consider these tips:
- Order A La Carte: Opt for just one or two single skewers instead of a full platter to control your portion size and calorie intake more effectively.
- Swap the Sides: Substitute higher-calorie sides like rice and pita bread for a vegetable side or a low-calorie Greek salad. Requesting extra vegetables in place of the rice is a great strategy.
- Control the Sauces: Get the tzatziki and Greek dressing on the side. This allows you to measure and limit the amount you use, as these sauces are calorie-dense. A light drizzle is much different from a heavy portion.
- Consider a Light Meal Option: Look for options specifically designated as "Light Meals" on the menu. While the main calorie count might still be substantial, these are often designed to be less heavy than the full platters.
Conclusion
When you ask how many calories are in Little Greek chicken skewers, the answer is a low 156 for a single serving of lean, char-grilled chicken. This makes them an excellent, high-protein choice. However, the total calorie count of your meal depends on what you order alongside the skewers. By being mindful of your side dishes, sauces, and overall portion size, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that perfectly fits your nutritional needs.
For more detailed information, you can always consult the official Little Greek nutrition page: Little Greek Fresh Grill Nutrition Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main macronutrients in Little Greek chicken skewers?
The main macronutrients are protein (22g) and fat (6.6g). They contain a very low amount of carbohydrates, at 1.2g per skewer.
Is a Little Greek chicken skewer gluten-free?
Yes, as a standalone item, the char-grilled chicken skewer is gluten-free. However, if it is part of a platter with pita bread or other sides, the meal will no longer be gluten-free.
Can Little Greek chicken skewers be part of a keto diet?
Given the low carbohydrate count (1.2g per skewer), the chicken skewers are an excellent protein source for a ketogenic diet, as long as they are ordered without high-carb sides like rice or pita.
Are the calories for the chicken skewers dinner different from ordering a la carte?
Yes, significantly. The dinner meal includes sides like rice and salad, adding hundreds of calories. For example, a two-skewer dinner is over 1000 calories, while two standalone skewers are only 312 calories.
How much sodium is in one chicken skewer from Little Greek?
One chicken skewer contains approximately 294mg of sodium.
Are Little Greek chicken skewers a good source of protein for muscle building?
With 22 grams of protein per skewer, they are a very good source of lean protein, making them beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
What are some low-calorie side options to pair with the chicken skewers?
For a lower-calorie meal, consider pairing the skewers with a side of extra vegetables, ask for a salad with the dressing on the side, or simply enjoy them on their own.
